It’s time for some fun in the sun! Tropical destinations are my favorite to pack for, so today I am sharing some items to give you some inspiration in case you are heading somewhere warm for a spring getaway or are just looking to add some spring flair to your wardrobe.
Depending on the type of tropical trip you have planned, you will likely be spending most of your time in the sun and sand. So, you’ll want a mix of bright pieces, breathable fabrics, neutral basics, and of course, lots and lots of swimwear!
1. A Sun Hat
Now don’t get me wrong, I am very much a sun worshiper, the sunnier the better in my opinion, but sometimes your face needs a break and you WILL need a hat. I love a larger brimmed hat for days at the pool and beach- it protects your face from the rays while not sacrificing any style.
I have a few favorites at various price points:
- Expensive but Detailed: I love the shell detailing on this one
- My Go-To Sun Hat: A classic and very comfortable
- Affordable Favorite: For the price point- this hat is amazing and comes in tons of color options
2. Sunglasses
No explanation needed! But I always pack a few pairs including a cheap pair for boat days.
My favorite pairs:
- Designer: Ray-Bans will always be my go-to. I am going to pack this pair and this pair for our trip.
- Under $70: I love the shape of these and they are very comfortable
3. Sunscreen
I’ve used the same sunscreen for years and I swear by it. I don’t burn easily so I usually opt for SPF 15. But you will want to choose one that provides protection for your skin type. This year I am trying out a new sunscreen for my face- I will report back after my trip on how it worked.
- Body SPF: I buy the SPF 15 and 30. It has a shimmer in it, so it makes your skin have a slight glow. I love it!
- Face SPF: Testing this out on our trip! I will report back.
- Hairline SPF: My scalp always burns! So this year I am going to try this! I will also report back on this.
- After Sun Lotion: Cannot do a beach trip without this stuff!
4. Quality Beach Bag
I opt for a tote style beach back simply because it’s easy to carry and I can fit a lot into it. If you are looking to pack light aim to find a bag that can easily go from a day at the beach to dinner at night.
Love these options:
- Vera Bradly Beach Bag: This is the same brand and style tote I am packing just with new prints and patterns. It has held up so well with several vacations and TONS of pool days
- Straw Circle Tote: Another find from my Mom, she got this for pool days! The quality on this bag is amazing, I was shocked for the under $40 price point plus the tassel accent is adorable.
For beach trips I pack a mix of causal and dresser looks for every trip and aim to pack things that work well for day or night. These are just a few staples to include on your packing list then fill in with other fun pieces to complete your looks.
1. Denim Shorts
I think this is obvious. Easy, casual, and comfortable.
I did an entire blog post rounding up some great options, here. I am going to pack this pair for my trip in the swapmeet and rocksteady washes.
2. Jumpsuits
I love jumpsuits because they are cute, comfy, and easy (literally throw on sandals and some jewelry and your set)
I love this option; the cropped fit makes it work for all different heights! The black makes it easy to dress up or down.
3. Rompers
Rompers are my jam. They are easy, comfortable, and take up very little space in your suitcase.
Last year I packed a utility style romper and it became one of my favorite looks through the summer, so I am packing that again, sadly it sold out! But I did find this similar style for a fraction of the cost!
4. Fun Printed Pant
A pair of fabric pants are perfect for cooler nights where you still want a beachy look. opt for something loose in a fun print.
I am packing this palm print pair, feels so silky on the skin and are insanely comfortable! I got a size small (could have also done the x-small) so they seem to run true to size.
5. Basic Sundress
I always pack a few sun dresses. They are easy and a classic style for day or night.
I just snagged this maxi a few weeks ago, it honestly feels like pajamas! I got my true size small.
6. White Cropped Tee or Tank
I usually always pack a white tee or crop top because they are easy to throw on with denim shorts for a quick and effortless look. If its cooler, layer with a cardi or kimono.
I bought this knit crop for our trip, the best part is you can wear a regular bra! Runs true to size and is crazy soft. I plan to wear this with denim shorts and a kimono.
1. High-Waisted Bikinis
I am obsessed with this style of suit. They are perfect for all activity levels and body types- from an active day on the water to lounging by the pool these make me feel my best.
I will do a full round up of the swim I packed after my trip (bonus- I already shared a few on my Like To Know It Page!)! In the meantime, a few of you requested some more affordable options, I am packing these two bikinis that are under $40:
- White Belted: Top and bottom runs TTS and is NOT see through. A dupe for $200+ suits!
- Leopard Print: I love this brand for suits, top and bottoms always fit true to size and are very flattering. I am also loving this fun leopard print.
2. Colorful One Piece
Because you can never have too much color on a tropical getaway.
My mom snagged this ADORABLE suit for our trip- I am contemplating it myself. I love the print with the contrasting belt.
3. Easy Cover-Ups
Look for a cover up that is lightweight and breathable, has good coverage (where you want it- for me it’s my stomach area), and is comfortable.
- My favorite from last year: I will definitely be packing this again- I own in the black and the white.
- Colorful Mini: Just snagged this for our trip
- Under $20 option: I own these in several colors, while they don’t dry ‘as fast’… for the price they are awesome and super flattering.
1. Beach Sandals
If you are planning to hit the beach or pool it’s always a good idea to pack a pair dedicated to that. I always opt for a relatively cheap but comfortable option that will match a lot of my suits.
These are my go-to pool/beach sandals. They run true to size and are only $10!
2. Everyday Sandals
I usually over-pack in this department, but over the years I have gotten better. I found that packing a pair of tan sandals covers most of my outfits and then I pack a few additional pairs to fill in the gaps.
- The PERFECT Tan Sandal: Pricey but worth it- they go with everything! I will end up packing the black version as well.
- Espadrille Slides: Another great neutral option. I snagged these a few weeks ago, they are neutral but have a beachy flair.
My Packing ‘Hacks’
Roll, Don’t Fold
The best way I have found to save room in my suitcase all while keeping my clothes wrinkle free is to roll.
Pack by Outfit
This helps me avoid the ‘what if’ when it comes to packing. It does take some time upfront planning, but it helps me pack quicker and more efficiently (cough cough over-packing). Here is how I plan: I determine how many outfits I need, I then go into the planning process: here’s an example
Outfit #1
Clothes: AGOLDE Denim Shorts (darker wash), ULLA Ruffle Top
Shoes: Tory Burch Espadrille Slides- Navy
Accessories (Bag/Jewelry): L*Space Bucket Bag, Pearl Earrings, Kendra Scott Gold Ring
And I continue this until I have the number of outfits needed for the trip. It might seem obvious, but when you write or type it all out you are able to consolidate shoes/jewelry/etc. Another thing I do when going through the planning process is take photos of the outfits (either on or a flat lay) so when I’m on my trip it’s easy to reference the photos and decide what I am going to wear that day/night.
Use Packing Cubes
The key to successful packing is to be organized… like duh Taylor. We’ve all been there, rushing to get packed and just tossing stuff in your suitcase. My advice invest in packing cubes. I love these so much I have a set for my checked bag and my carry on.
This packing cube set is $20 and comes in tons of colors.
How To Pack A Sun Hat
I get this question a lot, so I thought I would share what I do! I stuff the crown of the hat with small items- sports bras, underwear, etc. I then place it flat at the bottom of my suitcase and place items around the top of the brim to maintain its shape.
Eeep! This post is getting me excited to head south. I can’t wait to show you girls my beachwear and dinner outfits from the trip.
Xo,
The Taylor(ed) Style Blog 